An evaluation of access to critical breast oncoplastic patient information within a regional autologous free-flap reconstruction service

The configuration of autologous free-flap breast reconstruction services within regional hubs means that increasing numbers of patients operated upon at these units will be external referrals without their oncological investigations carried out at the tertiary receiving centre. Oncoplastic guidelines exist that clearly state the minimum necessary patient information that should be provided by the referring unit to the reconstruction centre. However, the logistics of such critical information transfer can be challenging, but it is essential that such issues are addressed to ensure safe oncological management of patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction.